MOUNT PLEASANT, NC (WBTV) – A Cabarrus County elementary school was cordoned off Friday as a precautionary measure due to a police search.
Mount Pleasant Elementary School was temporarily locked down as a precaution on Friday, Aug. 16, while authorities searched for someone, officials said. There is no believed to be a threat or target at the school.
The curfew was imposed after a driver fled on foot when police attempted to stop him, according to the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office. The man – identified as 28-year-old Steven O’Patrick Coble – had reportedly wrecked his vehicle in Mount Pleasant before fleeing the scene of the accident on foot.
It was not immediately clear where or when the car accident occurred or whether the man was injured.
The elementary school was cordoned off on Friday while authorities searched for the man. Police dogs and a drone were used in the search, but the man was not found.
According to a statement from the school district, the curfew was lifted at least at 2:53 p.m. on Friday. Students are expected to be released from class at the usual time.
Authorities continued to search for the missing driver, who reportedly had warrants for his arrest for failing to register as a sex offender in Stanly County and driving with a suspended license in Cabarrus County.
If caught, the man is expected to face additional charges related to Friday’s incident, including:
- Possession of methamphetamine.
- Escape to avoid arrest.
- Driving despite having a revoked driving license.
- Have no insurance.
- Serious hit and run.
- Possession of marijuana.
Anyone with information is asked to contact law enforcement.
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